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How many artistic opportunities are available to LB residents?…A LOT

Beginning on Saturday, Sept. 7 and extending weekends through October, Long Beach residents will have the opportunity to participate in arts experiences on vacant lots throughout the city.
Through the A LOT inititative, a community-wide project presented by the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB) in collaboration with partners throughout the city, residents will have more opportunities to enjoy and engage in the arts. A LOT broadens audience and artist engagement, linking arts and culture with local neighborhoods. Through music, dance, theatre and numerous other art forms, A LOT presents free arts experiences on vacant lots in traditionally underserved areas of the city.
“Our hope is that Long Beach will become just a bit smaller and more intimate, drawing residents together to celebrate the city’s rich culture,” said ACLB executive director John Glaza.
Each A LOT event offers a distinctly different arts experience for the community created by a pool of 26 artist and arts organizations. The diversity of A LOT performers spans the spectrum of arts and culture including: Spanish-language theatre, an interactive drum circle, medieval music, traditional Cambodian dance performance, a Zombie film festival, art installations and a Samba dance party.
A LOT performer Katina Mitchell believes all people have creative potential within themselves. “When people have the chance to observe others in their creativity, I think they become inspired to join that parade,” she said.
A LOT was made possible by a grant the ACLB received from the National Endowment for the Arts. Long Beach was the only city in Southern California selected to receive an Our Town grant and only one of six to receive the largest grant of $150,000 over two years, according to ACLB.
The next A LOT event will be Saturday, Sept. 7 at Anaheim Street and Walnut Avenue from 3pm to 8:30pm. Free parking will be available on site. Participants should provide their own seating. More information is available at ALOTLongBeach.org .
Source: Arts Council for LB